Brazil Reduces Diplomatic Presence in Argentina Amid Tensions
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil has announced a reduction in its diplomatic presence in Argentina, marking an unprecedented step in recent relations between the two neighboring countries. This decision follows a series of verbal attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei against Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Brazilian foreign office confirmed that Milei referred to Lula as “a thief” on three occasions since Sunday. The tensions first escalated in July when Milei used similar language at the party convention of Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, a political rival to Lula in the upcoming October elections.
During the same event, Milei criticized Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, labeling him “trash.” This came after De Moraes denied Milei’s request to visit ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest, serving a 27-year sentence for a coup attempt.
In response, Brazil recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, and replaced him with a chargé d’affaires, signaling a lower level of diplomatic engagement. According to a Brazilian spokesperson, Bitelli will not return as long as Milei continues his aggressive rhetoric against Lula.
Lula has not publicly addressed Milei’s comments, maintaining a strained relationship with the Argentine leader since Milei assumed office in December 2023. Milei is known for his alliance with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has contentious ties with Lula’s government.
Adding to the diplomatic tensions, the U.S. State Department revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington in response to Brazil’s prior denial of visas to two American diplomats. These diplomats intended to visit Brazil ahead of the upcoming elections.
At the Workers’ Party convention, where Lula was officially declared a candidate for reelection, concerns about foreign interference in the electoral process were raised. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who is running again with Lula, remarked on the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting system, noting it does not accept votes from Argentines and Americans, alluding to Milei and Trump.
___
For more updates on Latin America, visit AP’s Latin America coverage.
